- Published: December 25, 2021
- Updated: December 25, 2021
- University / College: University of Glasgow
- Level: Masters
- Language: English
- Downloads: 30
Introduction
There has always been an abuse of power throughout history. The constitution has been used to set forth the powers that the people give to the federal government. The constitution framers established the powers and rules that the people grant to the national government. There are five famous principles that they based on the national government. They are the limited government, accepted sovereignty, balances and checks and separation of powers (Hanson, 100).
This above was done so as to have a national government that would serve people without abusing power in the states. Limited government is the key approach of doing away with the abuse of power. It is impossible for the government to work and serve citizens with unlimited power. Thomas Jefferson states “ That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves”. This is why there is the creation of a limited government with guidelines on how ought to act (Hanson, 22).
Discussion
A government that is limited has positive effect in the society. One is that it is less expensive compared to unlimited government. The less the citizens look on the government to solve their issues, the less tax they have to pay. It is the citizens who pay for programs like salaries and benefits of employees (Kelman, 49).
A limited government lowers the waste, inefficiency and fraud. It is hard to keep track of what goes on when there are so many agencies. Bureaucracy makes thing run slow, accountability lacks and having many agencies, commissions and departments leads to duplication of services, which sometimes are not necessary (Samples, 192).
A limited government sees the value of economic and individual freedom. Having a less government power means there is less intrusion into the life of citizens. The more the freedom from government regulations, the more choices people can be able to make at a personal and economic level. People are able to live their life the way they see fit and not what the government thinks is fit (Samples, 195).
Another positive effect is that a limited government offers freedom in the market places. The less there is government participation in the market, the more businesses thrive and make an innovative and competitive atmosphere. Innovation and competition are the key drivers of the consumer freedom, offering goods at all prices. With no competition there would be no need for companies to improve their goods, offer a good customer service and make the goods cost effective. As the companies do well in this conditions, they get profits, re-invest them and more jobs are created (Samples, 198).
Conclusion
It is evident that government programs have done more harm than good to citizens as they as they deny people their right to life, freedom, and contentment as they are caught up in a system that they cannot get out of. When citizens get a lot of aid from the government, they live in fear as what the government gives it can take it away. The only way that people can live a life that is fulfilling is by being under a government that has limited its infringement into everyday lives of citizens. A limited government allows its citizens a right to personal and economic liberty with freedom of living their life the way they see fit.
Work Cited
Hanson, Stephen D. Transcending Time with Thomas Jefferson: Is the Constitution Still Applicable Today? S. l.: I Universe Inc, 2010. Print
Kelman, Steven. American Government. Austin: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1999. Print
Samples, John C. James Madison and the Future of Limited Government. Washington, DC: Cato Institute, 2002. Print